New Species of Ichthyosaur Fossil Discovered in Fernie, B.C.

A fossil discovered in Fernie, B.C. in 1916 has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a marine predator that existed 250 million years ago. The Fernatator Prenticei was found by Tom Prentice while fishing and was donated to the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. Scientists Jordan Mallon and Judy Massare studied the fossil and published their findings, naming the new species after the town of Fernie and its rock formation. The Fernatator Prenticei is a significant discovery for paleontology and sheds light on the prehistoric marine life of the region.

A significant paleontological discovery has been made in Fernie, B.C., where a fossilized ichthyosaur, previously unidentified, has been confirmed as a new species. The fossil, named Fernatator Prenticei, was discovered by Tom Prentice in 1916 while fishing in the Elk River. The fossil, which has been housed at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa for over a century, was recently studied by scientists Jordan Mallon and Judy Massare, leading to the identification of the new species [1].

Fernatator Prenticei is a marine predator that lived approximately 250 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs by 66 million years. The fossil is notable for its completeness, making it one of the most intact ichthyosaur skeletons discovered in North America [2]. The specimen, which is 2.8 meters long, is believed to have been around 3.5 to 4 meters long in total.

The ichthyosaur shares some similarities with dolphins, although they are not related. The new species is named after the town of Fernie and the rock formation where the fossil was found, with "Fernie swimmer" translating to the Latin name for the species. The fossil is considered a significant discovery for paleontology, providing insights into the prehistoric marine life of the region [1].

The discovery of Fernatator Prenticei highlights the importance of museum collections and the value of long-term conservation efforts. The fossil, which lay in the museum's collection for decades, was only recently recognized for its significance. This underscores the need for ongoing research and the potential for future discoveries [2].

References:
[1] https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fossil-discovered-over-100-years-120000451.html
[2] https://www.coastmountainnews.com/home2/rare-bc-fossil-finds-fame-at-canadian-museum-of-nature-8167895